In this family, 13-year-old leads the way to attain 'Diksha', parents follow suit

Following in the footsteps of their 13-year-old son, a Jain family will be attaining Diksha on June 3. Diksha is a ritual wherein a person decides to leave the worldly pleasures and abstain from materialistic things such as properties, family relations and walk barefoot among other things.

The Sanghavi family decided to take the decision after their son, Saiyam Sanghavi, who used to study in Swami Vivekanand International School until last year decided to do so. "I used to not enjoy going to school and would enjoy spending more time with Maharajsaheb. That is why I decided to attain Diksha," he said.

The family will attain Diksha together under Jain monk Naychandra Maharajsaheb.

When asked about letting go of games that he was once allowed to play while staying with Maharajsaheb, Saiyam said, "I will still like it. Even if there are no games, there is fun and entertainment with chote (young) Maharsahebs. I do not even think of my mobile phone when I am with them."

However, his father, Jayesh Sanghavi, first asked his son to complete his studies before quitting school last year. "When our son is gone, who will we live for? We thought why not attain Diksha along with him," said Hetal, his mother, who is happy with the family's collective decision.

They plan to give their 1 BHK flat for pilgrimage purposes, jewellery to their parents, and Rs 5 lakh will be used for the Diksha ceremony. The parents have ensured that Saiyam's last wish is fulfilled. "He wanted to visit Water Kingdom and we will take him there," said his mother.